Although there is a trend of MotoGP test riders being significantly slower than their racing counterparts, Nakasuga-san had an impressive result on the 800cc Yamaha YZR-M1 when he finished sixth at last year’s Valencian GP, replacing the then injured Jorge Lorenzo.

On the 1,000cc machine, Nakasuga-san finished ninth at this year’s the Japanese GP, racing with the Yamaha YSP Racing Team.

Ben Spies is currently in the US, recovering from his surgery this week that repaired torn ligament damage in his right shoulder. He will need a recovery period of eight to ten weeks in a sling before he is fit to ride again.